
J'ff^rt^f.-Z ,„ 



AK 



AUTHENTIC ACCOUNT 



OP ALL THE PKOCEEDIXOS OS THE 



FOURTH OF JULY, isis, 



WITH REGARD TO LATIKO THE 



CORNER STONE 



OF THE 



4$%tn^tm ^0tmmM, 



JSOW ERECTIKG LNT THE 



CITY OF BALTIMORE, 

ACCOMPANIED BY AN ENGRAVING OF THE MONUMENT. 



AN ADDRESS FROM THE CITIZENS OF BALTIMORE 
TO THE MAN WHO WAS 

" First imvar,Jirsi in peace, and first in tfie hearts of his countrymen." 
Together with his answer. — Also, 

FAC SIMILES OF THE ENGRAVED PLATE DEPOSITED TINDER "■'' Cs/j^j. 

THE CORNER STONE, ** ®«?5» 



AND A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF 



GENERAL WASHINGTON. 






• --4 



^Baltimore : 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BT 

.JOHN HORACE PRATT. 

1815. 



F / m 



^i^ttitt of .fEacplanij, ^^* 

BE IT REMEMBEREDy That on the thirteenth day of July, 
in the fortieth year of the independence of the United States of A- 
merica, John Horace Pratt, of the said district, hath deposited in 
this office, the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as 
Proprietor, in the words following, to wit: " An authentic account of 
all tJie proceedings on the fourth of July, 1815, with regard to laying 
the comer stone of tfte WASHINGTON MONUMENT, now erecting 
in the city of Baltimore,- accompanied hy an engraving of the Monu- 
ment; an address from the citizens of BaMtnore, to tlie ma7i who was 
"fii-st in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his country- 
men," together with his answer. Also, fac similes of the engraved 
plate, deposited under the comer stone,- and a biographical sketch of 
General Washington^ In conformity to an act of the congress of 
the United States, entitled " an act forthe encouragement of learn- 
ing, by securmg the copies of maps, charts and books, to the au- 
thors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein men- 
tioned." And also to the act entitled, " an act supplementary to 
the act, entitled an act, for the encouragement of learning, by se- 
curing the copies of maps, charts and books, to the authors and 
proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned, and 
extending the benefits thereof to tlie arts of designmg, engravmg 
and etching: historical and other prints." 

PHIUP MOORE, 

Clerk of the District of Maryland. 



AN 



AUTHENTIC ACCOUNT, £5?c. 



Agreeably to previous arrangements, 
the managers of the monument met in 
Howard's Park, at twelve o'clock, on 
Teusday, the fourth of July, eighteen hun« 
dred and fifteen, and in the presence of 
from twenty-five to thirty thousand of 
their fellow citizens; among whom were 
a number of the reverend clergy; the pre- 
sident and members of the Cincinnati of 
Maryland, his excellency the governor 
R. w. G. M. and members of thegrandlodge 
of Maryland, and the subordinate lodges of 
Baltimore; the mayor and city council of 
Baltimore; officers of the army and navy; 



major general R. G. Harper and aids; and 
the third brigade of Maryland militia, un- 
der the command of brigadier general 
Sterett; they proceeded to perform the 
pleasing duty assigned them by the legis- 
lature of Maryland, of laying the first cor- 
ner stone of a monument, to be erected in 
the city of Baltimore, to the memory of 
General Washington, the father of the 
republic. 

In an elevated situation, near the spot 
prepared for laying the corner stone, was 
exhibited an excellent likeness of the de- 
ceased hero and sage; an original portrait, 
painted by Mr. Rembrandt Pe ale; and, 
immediately under the picture, a correct 
and beautiful representation of the monu- 
ment to be erected, as designed by Mr. 
M^lls, painted by Mr. Henry Warren. 
These were richly decorated by Mr. 
Hugh Findley, forming, together, an ap- 
propriate TROPHY for the occasion; and, 
at the beginning of the ceremony, the en- 
signs from the attending volunteer corps 
displayed their flags, on which were paint- 
ed the arms of the United States around 
the trophy. 



The ceremonies of the day were com- 
menced by some national airs from a vo- 
lunteer band of amateurs, Mr. Bunyie 
leader. A salute of thirty-nine guns, com- 
memorative of the number of years which 
was on that day completed since the de- 
claration of independence. — ^Washington's 
march, by the band. — James A. Bucha- 
nan, esq. president of the board of mana- 
gers, then addressed the audience as 
follows: 

"The distinguished honor, my fellow 
citizens, of presiding on this interesting 
occasion, has devolved upon me, in con- 
sequence of the death of my predecessor, 
the founder and first president of the board 
of managers, John Comegys; to whom, 
more than to any member of the board, 
more indeed, than to all the other mem- 
bers of the board, is to be ascribed what- 
ever there may be of merit in the procur- 
ing for our city the glory of being the first 
to erect a monument of gratitude to the 
father and benefactor of our country. 

"And, my fellow citizens, is it not with 
peculiar propriety that this first expres- 
sion of national gratitude should be made 



6 

in the city of Baltimore? at all times the 
first to evince its attachment to those re- 
publican institutions, to secure which was 
the great object of WAsniNGTON'slabours. 
Baltimore has at no time been backward 
with testimonials of her love and gratitude 
towards him. When she saw him elevat- 
ed to the highest honours in the gift of his 
country, Baltimore was among the first 
to approach him with her homage. ^The 
tokens of regard and affection,' said he, 
'which I have often received from the ci- 
tizens of this town were always accepta- 
ble, because I always believed them sin- 
cere.' 

"When, descending from his exalted sta- 
tion, he relinquished his power, and sought 
for happiness in the bosom of retirement, 
the first to thank him for his services, and 
to regret his departure, was Baltimore. 
In reply to an address, presented to him 
on that occasion, by the city, he observed 
— 'I pray you to accept of my sincere 
thanks, for the evidence you have now giv- 
en, of approbation of my past services; 
for those regrets which you have express- 
ed, on the occasion of my retirement to 



private life, and for the affectionate at- 
tachment which you have declared for my 
person.' — If these be sufficientto establish, 
in Baltimore, a priority of claim to the hal- 
lowed services of this day; recent interest- 
ing events, of which she was the theatre, 
lean powerfully in support of them. Du- 
ring the war in which we have been engag- 
ed, the city, destined to bear the proud 
name of Washington to future ages, fell 
an easy conquest to the ruthless invader. 
The shock produced by this stroke was 
felt from the one end of these United 
States to the other. The minds of our 
countrymen appeared to be transfixed with 
horror and dismay; a night of awful dark- 
ness seemed to overshadow our land; the 
gloomiest apprehensions were entertained 
for the republic; the timid and the despond- 
ing, not recollecting that freedom rises 
with an elasticity proportionate to the pres- 
sure made upon it, were approaching a 
state of political despair. At this most 
awful moment for our country, Baltimore, 
the city of our affection, in which was con- 
tained our altars, our families, our all, be- 
came the next object of attack to a vindic« 



tive, and at that time, a vainglorious foe. 
The eyes of all America were fixed upon 
us! On the destiny of Baltimore seemed 
to be suspended the fate of the republic! 
She breasted the storm; and, thanks to her 
gallant defenders, exists now, in prosper- 
ity and glory, to perform her most grateful 
of duties. 

" The desire, my fellow citizens, of per- 
petuating the memory of illustrious men, 
has prevailed in every age of the world. 
The ingenuity of men has been exercised, 
as well in his rudest, as in his most polish- 
ed condition, in devising methods by which 
effectually to gratify this desire. The 
song of the poet, the pen of the historian, 
the pencil of the painter, the chissel of 
the sculptor, all have, in every age, been 
employed, to render their fame imperish- 
able. It has, indeed, been sometimes said 
that the only monument real excellence 
requires, is an existence in the recollec- 
tion of those who have been blessed by 
its operation: and that in the gratitude of 
posterity, it has its best reward. It would 
be superfluous, under present circumstan- 
ces, to enquire into the correctness or in^ 



correctness of this sentiment. We have 
taken the sense of mankind, as exhibited 
in immemorial usage for our guide; and^ 
I therefore proceed to state, that we are 
assembled here, my fellow citizens, to lay 
the corner stone of a monument, intend- 
ed to commemorate the virtues of our 
great Washington; of the hero and the 
sage who was ' first in war, first in peace, 
and first in the hearts of his countrymen.' 
On an occasion so grand, so interesting, it 
might perhaps be expected, that some no- 
tice should be taken of ' the services of 
the mighty dead;' but when we recollect, 
that the world is filled with his glory, 
and that its radiance shines with a lustre 
which requires no aid from eulogy, I feel 
relieved from a task which it would have 
been the height of presumption for me to , 
have undertaken. 

" With these few observations, my fellow 
citizens, more than which I have not be- 
lieved to be necessary, and less than which 
would not have satisfied my own impres- 
sions of duty, allow me to solicit your 
devout attention to the next feature of our 
arrangement, which is to invoke the bless- 
B 



10 

ings of Almighty God, on the purpose for 
which we are assembled." 

The following prayer, was then ad- 
dressed to the Throne of God, by the 
right reverend bishop Kemp. 

" O God! in whom we live, and move 
and have our being. Every good thing 
that we enjoy here, we derive from thee, 
and every good thing that we hope for 
hereafter, thou alone canst bestow. 

" We acknowledge, with deep humility, 
that we have followed too much the de- 
vices and desires of our own hearts; that 
we have done those things which we 
ought not to have done; and that we have 
left undone those things which we ought 
to have done; and that there is no spiritu- 
al health in us. Pardon, O merciful fa- 
ther, our manifold transgressions; purify 
our hearts from every defilement, and 
grant us grace, to enable us to devote our 
hearts and our lives more particularly to 
thy service. 

" We magnify and adore thee, the Su- 
preme Ruler of nations, for the many and 
distinguished blessings, which we enjoy, as 
a people, for the liberty, prosperity, and 



11 

happiness, which we have derived from 
that memorable act^ whose anniversary 
has again rolled round! On this day let eve- 
ry heart expand with gratitude and joy-— 
let it be distinguished by our citizens as 
the commencement of a new era in the 
history of nations, when a great and ex- 
tensive empire rose into existence; when 
a Supreme Being opened a way for the ra- 
pid dissemination of liberty, learning, and 
religion, over an uncultivated wilderness, 
ameliorating the condition of man, and 
spreading light and salvation through a 
wide extended land. God! for these bles- 
sings give us grace to be duly thankful. 

" In particular we come before thee, at 
this time, to implore a blessing on our 
present undertaking; and that in all our 
works begun, continued and ended in thee, 
we may glorify thy holy name; may per- 
petuate and extend those principles, upon 
which depend our happiness here and 
hereafter. 

" May this monument, whose corner 
stone we are now about to deposit, stand as 
a memorial of the blessings and advantages 
that our country derived from the character 



13 

and conduct of that personage whose name 
it is to bear, and whose virtues it is to 
perpetuate. May it excite in us those no- 
ble affections, that will entitle us to the 
continuance of his favor, who is the au- 
thor of every good and perfect gift; may 
we view it as a continued monitor, to em- 
ulate the virtues and to follow the ex- 
ample of him, whose character implies 
every thing that is great. ' let our hearts, 
and all that is within us, praise the Lord 
for his goodness.' 

" Let the soldier, when he views this 
monument, remember, that America re- 
quires he should form his character upon 
the model of Washington; that he should 
combine bravery with prudence; courage 
with humanity; the service of his God with 
the service of his country. 

" Let the statesman here learn the im- 
portant lesson, that integrity is the rule, 
by which all his plans are to be measured; 
honesty the scale in which all his schemes 
are to be weighed; that religion is the on- 
ly base on which the happiness of a na- 
tion can stand secure, and that true pa- 
triotism consists in that ardent love of our 



country, which excites to originate and 
promote measures to dispense the bless- 
ings of freedom, justice, and plenty, among 
all descriptions of citizens. 

" Let the private citizen, when he looks 
upon this monument, remember that it 
is erected in memory of a man, who was 
an ornament to private life as well as pub- 
lie; who, to the bravery of a soldier and 
the integrity of a statesman, added the 
virtues of an affectionate husband, a kind 
neighbor, an useful citizen, and a pious 
christian. 

" God! as it pleased thee to appoint 
the rain-bow, as a token that the earth 
should not again be destroyed by a flood, 
so may this monument remain as a token 
that America must not be deluged by sin; 
that the land of Washington must not be 
torn by faction or ruined by vice; that no 
domineering tyrant shall raise his head on 
this soil, or the happiness of our citizens 
be sacrificed at the shrine of ambition. 

" To this monument let the father lead 
his son, and tell him, thatto be greathe must 
possess the virtues and the principles of 
him to whose memory it is dedicated. 



14 

" On this monument, God, may we all 
look as a reproof of sin, and an encour- 
agement to virtue — as the ark of indepen- 
dence, the model of patriotism, and the 
reward of greatness — and may it be hap- 
pily instrumental in inspiring our hearts 
with noble sentiments, in elevating our 
souls above mean pursuits, and in prepar- 
ing us to share in the everlasting rewards 
of all those who love God, who trust in 
a redeemer, and whose souls are adorned 
by the noble qualities of pure christians. 

" These, our prayers, we offer unto thee 
in the name and through the merits of our 
blessed Redeemer; to whom, with thee and 
the holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, 
world without end — Amen,'^ ' 

The president, accompaniedby the board 
of managers, then descended to the place 
where the corner stone was suspended, 
and by their secretary invited his excellen- 
cy Levin Winder, r. w. g. m. of masons, 
colonelJoHNE. Howard, president andge- 
neral S. Smith, vice-president of the Cin- 
cinnati, and Edward Johnson, mayor of 
the city of Baltimore, to witness the lay- 
ing of the stone. To whom, when assem- 



15 

bled, the president made the following ad- 
dress: 

" I have, gentlemen, been requested 
by the board of managers, to ask your par- 
ticipation with them on this interesting oc- 
casion; and, worshipful sir, (addressing 
the R. w. G. Master) to present you with 
these implements, (handing the square, 
plumb, and level,) used by your ancient 
fraternity, with which you will be pleased 
to proceed and ascertain the fitness of 
this stone." 

The R .w. G. Master replied, " Honour- 
able sir, on behalf of the free and accept- 
ed masons of this state, I accept, with plea- 
sure your invitation, and it will afford us 
peculiar satisfaction to render all the assist- 
ance within our power, so that the stone 
may be laid agreeably to the ancient usag- 
es of the order, especially, as the object 
of the building to be erected is to hand 
down to the latest posterity the virtues and 
patriotism of the greatest of men; who, du- 
ring his valuable life, honored our order 
by becoming a zealous and faithful mem» 
ber of the fraternity, ' ' 



16 

His excellency, the r. w. g. Master, 
then proceeded to try the fitness of the 
stone; and, addressing the president, pro- 
nounced the same " true and trusty." 

The architect, assisted by Messrs. Wil- 
liam Steuart and Thomas Towson, the 
operative masons, under the direction of 
the president, placed the stone in its proper 
position. 

The secretary then deposited in the 
stone a copper plate,* and a sealed glass 
bottle, containing a likeness of Washing- 
ton, his valedictory address, the several 
neviTspapers printed in this city, and the 
different coins of the United States. On 
the stone was engraved — 

"WILLIAM STEUART 

and 

THOMAS TOWSON, 



STONE CUTTERS. 



SATER STEVEKSON, 



STONE MASON. 



The president, accompanied by the r. 
w. G. Master, the president and vice-pre- 
sident of the Cincinnati, and the mayor of 

* See fac similes of its engraving, facing pages 16 and 17. 



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t 



Reverse side of the Plate. 



JOHN COMEGYS, 
JAMES A. BUCHANAN, 
ROBERT GILMORE, Jr. 
ISAAC M'KIM, 
WM. H. WINDER, 
DAVID WINCHESTER, 
FIELDING LUCAS, Jr. 
JAMES CALHOUN, Jr. 
JAMES COCKE, 
JOHNFRICK, 
JAMES WILLIAMS, 



WASHINGTON HALL. 



LEMUEL TAYLOR, 



GEORGE HOFFMAN, 



EDWARD J. COALE, 



JAMES PARTRIDGE, 



NICHOLAS C. RIDGELY, 



ROBERT MILLER, 



NATHANIEL F. WILLIAMS, 



LEVI HOLLINGSWORTH, 



WILLIAM GYWNN, 



B. H. MULLIKIN, 



I 

I 



JAMES BARROLL, 

ELI SIMKINS, Secretary. 
ROBERT MILLS, Arcldtect. 
The SUe presented by | EDWARD JOHNSON, 

COL. JOHN EAGER HOWARD. \ 



Mayor. 



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Ha 

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17 / 

the city, proceeded and settled the stone. 
The Grand Master then pronounced— 
" May the Grand Architect of the universe 
grant a blessing on this foundation stone, 
which we have now laid, and by his provi- 
dence enable us to finish this and every 
other work which may be undertaken for 
the benefit of the republic and the perpe- 
tuity of our free institutions." 

The R. w. G. Master then received, se- 
verally, the vessels containing corn, wine, 
and oil, and addressed the president — 
'' Sir, as the scattering of corn, and the 
pouring out of wine and oil, on such occa- 
sions, are a part of our ancient ceremo- 
nies, with your assent I will perform that 
duty." The president signified his assent, 
when the grand master scattered the corn, 
and poured out the wine and oil on the 
stone, saying, " May the all bountiful au- 
thor of nature bless this city with an abun- 
dance of corn, wine, and oil, and with all 
the necessaries, conveniences, and com- 
forts, of life; and may the same Almighty 
Power preserve this city from ruin and de= 
cay to the latest posterity." 
C 






^^y^ Was laid this '"^ 

^ FOUNDATION 8T0NE 

of a 



^ 



^ 






w ^^^ 




'^ (g^s/ 



to b^ 6i*fected to the 






.^• 



O 



18 

The II. w. o. Master, then addressing 
the rev. John Hargrove, Grand Chaplain, 
said, '• Have we here the first and great- 
est light of masonry ?" 

He replied, "it is in my hands, r. w.'^ 

The R. w. G. Master again asked, "What 
instructions does it give on this occa- 
sion ?" 

The Grand Chaplain read the follow- 
ing select imssages from the holy writ- 
ings : 

" Thus, saith the Lord God, behold I lay 
in Zion, for a foundation, a stone^ a tried 
stone ^ a precious cornerstone^ a sure found- 
ation, ^c. 

" Judgement also will I lay to the line 
and righteousness unto the plummet." 
Isaiah^ xxviii ch, iQ b^ i7 v, 

" For behold the stone which I have 
laid before Joshua: upon one stone shall 
be seven eyes. Behold I will engrave the 
engraving thereof, with the lord of 
HOSTS." Zech, III ch, 9 v, 

" Bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of 
the Lord. 

" Lift up yoru hands in the sanctuary and 
Mess the Lord. 



"The Lord that made heaven and earth 
bless thee out of Zion." Psalm cxxxiy. 

Grand honors by the masons. 

The president then addressed Mr. 
Mills* — ' - 

"The managers, appointed by the le- 
gislature of Maryland, to superintend the 
erection of this monument, intended to 
hand down, to the latest generation, the 
love of country, the disinterestedness, the 
valor, and the patriotism, of one of the 
greatest and best of men, that ever lived 
in any age, having the most unbounded 
confidence in your skill and integrity as 
an architect, do now entrust you \vith these 
symbols, (handing the s. p. and l.) by 
which you are to prosecute, according 
to that design, (pointing to a representation 
of the monument, as designed by Mr. 
Mills, painted by Mr .Warren,) a monu- 
ment which may do honor to your- 
self as an architect, as well as those wlio 
have confided in you, and be in some de- 
gree commensurate with its object." 



* Mr. Robert Mills is a native of Ciiabiestojt, South Carolina^ 
anrl has the honor of being- the first American educated architect. 



20 

Mr. Mills replied — 

"The honor, sir, you have been pleased 
to confer upon me, I hope to prove that I 
duly appreciate, by a faithful performance 
of the duties incumbent on me as your 
architect. 

"I feel a double inducement to use my 
best exertions to execute faithfully, and 
with ability, the important duty entrusted 
to me, from the recollection, that the 
work to be performed is the execution 
of a monument, to perpetuate our coun- 
try's gratitude to the father of her liber- 
ties; and that you have given a preference 
to native genius in the choice of a de- 
sign for the work." 

The rev. Dr. Inglis, then addressed 
the throne of Divine Grace as follows: 

" Sovereign of nations^ whose throne 
is the only throne before which our free 
republic bows herself! If we know our 
own hearts, it is our delight to do the ho- 
mage as our monarch, our judge, and our 
God. We give thee thanks, that at length 
the foul blot of reproach is effaced from the 
public name, and that a splendid memorial 
of the people's gratitude is at length about 



^1 

to be reared, to tell to the world that honor 
is due from them, and shall be paid, to the 
brave, the just, and the good, to their chief, 
their benefactor and their father. 

>^ What people has ever had such cause of 
gratitude to thee, as this people? For what 
people, except of old, for thy chosen tribes, 
whom thou ledst through the wilderness to 
aland of rest, of plenty, prosperity andg lo- 
ry, hast thou ever done such deeds of 
wonder, as for this people? And of all thy 
multitudinous blessings bestowed upon us, 
we esteem it not the least, that thou didst 
give us the achievements and the exam- 
ple of thine eminent servant, whose spirit 
is now in other worlds, but whose happy 
memory lives undecayingly in our affec- 
tions, and to the honor of whose transcend- 
ent character this monumental fabrick is 

devoted thy servant, ' first in war — 

first in peace — and first in the hearts of 
his countrymen' — thy servant, the delight 
of an admiring world, ' whose country is 
the universe — whose fame is eternity.' 

We thank thee that thou didst form 

and adapt his mind to the crisis which cal- 
led him into action — to the exigencies of 



3S 

the eventful times during which he exercis- 
ed his exalted talents and his no less exalted 
virtues. For while we cherish the name 
and memory of our glorious chief, we 
humbly and thankfully acknowledge that 
every perfect gift, whether of goodness 
or of greatness, cometh down from above; 
from thee, O , fountain of excellence; 
from thee, O father of lights; with whom 
is no variableness or shadow of turning! 

" We thank thee that this great man liv- 
ed not in vain, and that his precious exam- 
ple has not been lost upon the people 
before whose eyes it shines. The wounds 
of those brave men who have survived 
the shock of recent battles on no distant 
fields, whose patience and fortitude, un- 
der the privations and exposures of war, 
whose self-denial, whose contempt of dan- 
ger, and whose martial ardor, drove back 
the unsuccessful hosts of invasion to their 
ships, attest that the example of his valor 
and his patriotism has not been lost upon 
us. The annunciations of victory by 
our laurelled commanders, when the blood 
of the brave dyed the waters of the lakes, 
attest that the example of his modesty and 



SB 

his piety, has not shone upon us in vain. 
They attest, that, like him, the intrepid 
leader and the warrior, who, with firm and 
faithful step, advances to the onset, forgets 
not, amidst the pomp and circumstance of 
war, that God is the Lord of Hosts, to 
whom all might and all success are to be 
ascribed. 

'^ On this occasion, and at this sacred spot, 
may we be enabled to look back with gra- 
titude upon the past, and forward upon the 
future with hope, confidence and courage. 
Thou who didst accomplish this unparal- 
leled man with rich gifts for war and 
peace, that he might go in and out before 
this so great people, wilt not forsake the 
country that gave him birth and where his 
ashes lie. To thy blessing we solemnly 
commend its institutions and its inter- 
ests. This day, the anniversary of that 
proud day which gave us national ex- 
istence; of that glorious day, when first 
independence thundered from the Se- 
nate Hall, and scattered its lightening 
from the sword of the chief along the 
thorny and ensanguined pathway, that, un- 
der the auspices of Omnipotence, led. m 



the event, to victory and to peace; this 
day, this joyful day, we invoke thy bless- 
ing. Bless these assembled multitudes^ 
bless this flourishing and growing city^ 
ever favored by thy smiles, and of late 
signally protected by thy providence. 
Bless the state, of which it is the orna- 
ment, our governor and public function- 
aries; bless the United States of America, 
united indissolubly; free and indepen- 
dent perpetually; God save the republic, 
which himself hath formed to be the re- 
fuge of freedom; never, O never, of free- 
dom, may it prove the grave! Bless the 
president of the United States, and all in 
authority; and grant that, under their ad- 
ministration, the people may lead quiet 
and peaceable lives in all godliness and 
honesty. 

" Sovereign of nations; author of all good; 
patron and rewarder of integrity, patriot- 
ism and valor, we supplicate thy benedic- 
tion upon the interesting solemnity of this 
day; deign to smile upon the deed which 
has been done, and to accept it. For 
while this monumental structure shall pre- 
sent to the beholder the emblematic regis- 



35 

ter of glory, shall it not proclaim the ob- 
ligations of the republic to Him who form- 
ed her general for the field; her ruler for 
the the cabinet? O may this memorial of 
our dead friend and father speak in tones 
of deep interest to all his children. May 
it lead them to remember every particu- 
lar of his moral, civic, and military vir- 
tue. Let the believer remember that our 
chief venerated the rites of religion and 
the name of God. Let the citizen remem- 
ber, that our chief bowed to the suprema- 
cy of the laws, and gloried in rendering 
prompt obedience to the voice of consti- 
tuted authority. Let the soldier remem- 
ber that our chief fought because freedom, 
and truth, and virtue, and conscience, arm- 
ed him; that his sword would have refus- 
ed to leave its scabbard in an unholy 
cause, and that he never could have been 
induced by seduction or provocation to 
turn its point against the maternal bosom 
of his country. Let successive presidents, 
commanders, magistrates, counsellors, and 
all depositaries of power, remember that 
our chief sought not, in any one instance, 
himself^ but at all times his coimtrips zveaL 



" Save Lord, save this fabric of the peo- 
ple's gratitude; this structure to the bless- 
ed memory of our national father and 
benefactor, consecrated by the recollec- 
tions, the sensibilities, and the prayers of 
his children. O save it from destructive 
casualties; protect it against the moulder- 
ing touch of time; anti at what period so- 
ever the clangour of arms may again dis- 
turb our peaceful pursuits, let us look on 
this splendid pile; let us ask, where is the 
spirit of the hero whose fame it perpetu- 
ates; let us emulate his deeds, and gather- 
round the monument of our father; let us 
guard it with a no less resolved and un- 
shrinking purpose than we would our aL 
tars and our homes! 

" Almighty God, we believe that thou 
art never displeased with the expression 
of praise, where praise is due; we, there- 
fore, deem it becoming us on this solemn 
occasion, to notice with tender recoUec- 
tion, the respectable, amiable, and patriot- 
ic person, to whose indefatigable labors, 
we, of this vicinity, are chiefly indebted 
for the honorable privilege of laying the 
first monumental stone, sacred to the me- 



%7 

moiy of the father of his country. In all pa- 
triotic offices, in all public works promotive 
of the interest of truth, virtue, benevo- 
lence, and liberty; grant that his example 
may be universally imitated with a perse- 
verance and an enthusiam worthy of the 
American citizen. 

" Sovereign of nations; almiglity crea- 
tor; God of the spirits of all flesh; father 
of our Saviour; by whose divine permis- 
sion we have united in these exercises: 
listen, we beseech thee, to our thanks- 
giving and supplications, and favorably, 
in much mercy, be pleased to answer 
them. — Amen. 

" Men, brethren, and fellow citizens- 
Jehovah bless you, and keep you — Jeho- 
vah make his face to shine upon you, and 
be gracious unto you — Jehovah lift up his 
countenance upon you, and give you 
peace — ^the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ 
be with you all. — Amen,^^ 

Music. First solemn, then national. 

Grand salute of one hundred guns, the 
band playing a national air. 

The whole ceremonies of the day were 
concluded by three voUies from the whole 
line of infantry. 



The evening sky was beautifully be- 
spangled by rockets, thrown from the Ja- 
va frigate, and from the mansion of col. 
Howard, in the park. They rose in a 
briUiant line of fire, and forming a grace- 
ful arch, broke into stars as they descend- 
ed. Divine providence seemed to smile 
upon the occasion; the air was delightful- 
ly cool and the firmament serene. The 
evening silence and tranquility that closed 
the joyful turbulence of the day, formed a 
striking contrast, and seemed to display 
that sobriety of pleasure which the so- 
lemnity of the occasion demanded. 



A CARD. 

The board of managers return their sincere thanks to Mr. Buntib 
and his associates, for their valuable acquisition to the solemnity 
of the ceremonies of laying the corner stone of the monument — 
as also to Messrs. Wakken, Finlet and Peale, for the elegant 
decorations furnished for the occasion. 

ELI SIMKINS, Sec. 



S9 

The following is an original inscription^ 
proposed for the Washington Monument^ 
with an English version, 

MONU^IENTUM PATRI PATRIiE DEDICATUM. 

Die quarto Juli, et Christiance <er<e anno 1815, dves Baltimori- 
ENSES substructioms primum lapidem posuerunt Coliimnce JVIagmficcey 
inemorice Georgii WASHufOTOBr sacra; cujus nomeUy ** et laurea et 
lingua" clarum ac venerable^ Usee America civitatibus faederatis serri' 
per <eque inclytum et percarum erit et etiam per volventia scecula, ut 
dux, miles et vindex patriae libertatis heroicus, cunctis monumentis 
quae tempus edax exciderit, gloria perenni ac fama incidpatay super' 
vixerit. 

TRANSLATED. 

" On the 4th day of July, and in the year of the Christian aera 
1815, the citizens of Baltimore laid the first foundation stone of a 
magnificent column, sacred to the memory of George Washhtg- 
TON — a name as revered in the cabinet as renowned in the field; a 
name, which, to these United States of America, shall ever be as 
dear as it is illustrious. — And which, throughout revolving ages, as 
the soldier, the general, and the heroic defender of his country's 
liberty, in fame untarnished and glory immortal, shall outlive eve- 
ry perishable monument" 



Frem the Fedei-al Gazette, 

In making the preparatory arrangements for laying the comer 
stone of the monument to the memory of WASHiuGToif, the mana- 
gers directed their committee to request, in the first instance, the 
venerable and universally respected archbishop Carroll, to com- 
mence the ceremony, by invoking a blessing on the undertaking; 
not only on account of his high ecclesiastical rank, but as having 
been the cotemporary and intimate friend of that illustrious man 
— ^but as he was at a distance from the city, the wishes of the man- 
agers were conveyed to him in a letter from the reverend Mr. Fen- 
wick, who received in reply the following answer, which we take 
pleasure in being permitted to communicate to the public: 

" You will not fail to present immediately my very respectful and 
grateful acknowledgments to Mr. Gilmore, and through him to 
the gentlemen of the committee, for the distinguished honor done 



m 



me by their choice of me, as the pe rson designated to x)pen the 
august ceremony of the 4th of July, and remind our countrymen 
of the only true sources of real honor and glory, the moral, civil, 
and military virtues of that illustrious man, whose monument will 
that day begin to be raised, which even without the aid of marble, 
remains undefaced and imperishable in the hearts of his fellow- 
citizens; though it is likewise worthy of all praise to exhibit grand 
and solid testimonials of national gratitude to eminent benefactors. 
These are my sincere feelings on the present occasion; and with 
pride would I obey a call, which honors me so much; though at 
all times it would exceed my power to do it justice: but now more 
particularly, at my advanced period of life, and with a half extin- 
guished voice, I must unavoidably fall so much below the solemni- 
ty of the occasion and public expectation, that respect for the 
supereminent WAsnufcToif, and for my fellow-citizens, compels me 
to offer my excuse to the committee, which you will do in my be- 
half, and in terms the most expressive of my respect, and my re- 
gret, for my inability to answer their politeness with a ready com- 
pliance." 



THE PORTRAIT. 

A portrait of WASHiNGToif, belonging to the Baltimore Gallery 
of Fine Arts, was displayed on the trophy. This painting was exe- 
cuted by Mr. Rembrandt Fjeaie, who wished it to be distinguish- 
ed on that extraordinary occasion, under a conviction (corroborated 
by the testimony of many of the general's relations and friends) 
that it is the most acurate likeness of Washikgtos- that exists, and 
it^is intended to be handed down to posterity as a true delineation of 
his features and countenance. the publishek. 



31 

Address of the mayor and corporation of 
the city of Baltimore^ to his excellency 
George Washington^ late president of 
the United States^ March ii^ ±797- 

TO GEORGE WASHINGTON, ESQ. 

SiK — ^To partake of the prosperity arising from your unwearied 
attentions to the welfare of our country; to admire that firmness 
which has never been disconcerted in the greatest difficulties, and 
which has acquired vigor in proportion to the exigency; to feel that 
honorable ascendency you have obtained in the well founded opinion 
of your fellow citizens, by a wise administration, and the exercise 
of the vu'tues of a private life; and to suppress our admiration and 
acknowledgment, would be wanting to our own individual sensation, 
and the just expectation of those we represent. 

Permit, therefore, the mayor and city council of Baltimore, 
amongst the first exercises of their corporate capacity, to gratify 
themselves, and their constituents, in the sincere expressions of re- 
gret for your retirement; their lively gratitude for your public ser- 
vices; their affectionate attachment to your private character; their 
heartfelt farewell to your person and family; and their increasing so- 
licitude for your temporal and eternal happiness. 

In behalf of the corporation and city of Baltimore. 

JAMES CALHOUN, mayor. 



His excellency returned the following an 
swer to the mayor and city council a 
Baltimore. 

Gextlemeis- — ^I receive, with grateful sensibility, the honor of 
your address. 

To meet the plaudits of my fellow citizens, for the part I have 
acted in public life, is the highest reward, next to the consciousness 
of having done my duty to the utmost of my abilities, of which my 
mind is susceptible; and I pray you to accept my sincere thanks 
for the evidence you have now given mcj of your approbation of my 



past services; for those regrets which you have expressed on the 
occasion of my retirement to private life; and for the affectionate 
attachment you have declared for my person. Let me reciprocate, 
most cordially, all the good wishes you have been pleased to ex- 
tend to me and my family for our temporal and eternal happiness. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



^s^e^cription of tl)e Jil^cnumcnt* 

THE outline of tliis grand structui-e, presents a column of massy propcalionsj 
elevated on a socled pedesta, fifty feet square, and twenty-five feet high; the co- 
lumn, about twenty feet diametor, rises above the base one hundretl and twenty- 
five feet, which gives a total height of one hundred and fifty feet, independent 
of tlie surmounting. 

You enter the monument at each of the four sides, by a flight of marble steps, 
through a grand arch way, into the base, by which yoti pass to tlie centre; where 
circular iron winding stairs conveys you to the top of the base, and by following 
tliem lead you to the summit. 

The whole facia of the monument will be of wliite marble. Sueh decorations. 
as may be added, are proposed to be in brass or bronze^ 



BIOGRAPHY. 

George Washington was the son of 
Augustine Washington, born on the SSd 
of February, 1732, and grand son of John 
Washington, an English gentleman, who 
emigrated to this country in 1767. When 
only nineteen years of age he was appoint- 
ed one of the adjutants general of Virgi- 
nia, with the rank of major. In the un- 
fortunate action of general Braddock, 
with the French and Indians, on the banks 
of the Monongahela, colonel Washing- 
ton, who had been appointed one of his 
aids, had two horses killed under him, 
and four balls perforated his coat. Short- 
ly after the defeat and death of that gene- 
ral, he resigned his office and married the 
widow of Mr. Custis. Our revolutiona- 
ry troubles commenced about the same 
time, and colonel Washingt on was chosen 
a member of the first congress, from Vir- 
ginia. On the 14th of June, 1775, he was 

unanimously chosen by that body, to be 
E 



M 

general and commander in chief of the 
American forces. He refused com- 
pensations for his services, and repaired 
to Cambridge, to take command of the 
American troops, there assembled. The 
British army under general Gage, then 
occupied Boston, where they were block- 
aded, and which place they were com- 
pelled to evacuate. 

After the evacuation of Boston, the 
commander in chief departed for New 
York. He took possession and fortified 
Long Island, which was attacked by the 
British troops, under the command of ge- 
neral Hance. The Americans were de- 
feated, and their situation becoming criti- 
cal, the commander in chief, with his usu- 
al intrepidity, vrithdrew his troops in the 
night; which he did in the face of a victo- 
rious enemy, within the reach of the hos- 
tile fleet, carrying with him all his 
stores, ^c. The general was on horse- 
back thirty -four hours. 

After this, Washington had to encoun- 
ter difficulties, from which other men 
would have shrunk with dismay. His 
army was broken, dispersed and melting 



B5 

f 

away before a victorious foe, by whom he 
was incessantly pursued. His troops were 
destitute of clothing, and in their pas- 
sage over the Delaware, the prints of their 
feet stained the snow and ice with blood. 
A general despondency prevailed, until 
Washington, by the decisive battles of 
Trenton and Princetown, renovated the 
drooping ardor of his countrymen. The 
British general in the retreating comman- 
der beheld the conqueror; and found that 
he was a man to be dreaded when oppress- 
ed by misfortune. At the battle of Bran- 
dywine to the American army happened a 
defeat. At Germantown an attack was 
made by the Americans, which, in the out- 
set promised success; but as the day was 
misty, neither party could recognize eacli 
other at a few yards distant, and our brave 
countrymen were repulsed. On the re- 
treat of the American army from Long 
Island, a mist preserved them from fall- 
ing into the hands of the British; and at 
Germantown, a heavy mist endangered 
their existence. In the attack on Red 
Bank, the British were repulsed with 
considerable loss—a place which was 



finally surrendered. The battle of Mon». 
mouth was fought on a day, in which the 
heat was so excessive, that many fell as 
martyrs of the solar beam. 

At this time the heart cheering intelli» 
gence was announced that the French ca- 
binet had adopted the controversy of the 
United States. General La Fayette arriv- 
ed with intelligence of aid from France, 
and the exhausted spirits of the Ameri- 
cans were recruited. Count Rochambeau 
arrived with a reinforcement in 1781, 
and marched to the North River. Lord 
CoRNWALEis, after several severe engage- 
ments with general Greene, in which he 
was equally unfortunate, either in victory 
or in defeat, retired to York Town. Gene- 
ral Washington having formed a junction 
with count Rochambeau, invested that 
place and finally compelled his lordship 
vrtth all his army to surrender. This was 
the decisive blow to the progress of the 
British arms in America. Partial engage- 
ments succeeded, which were however 
ended, by a full declaration, on the part of 
his Britannic majesty, to acknowledge the 
independence of the United States. Peace 



S7 

was then restored, and general Wash- 
ington resigned his commission as com- 
mander in chief of the American armies. 
His address to congress, convened at An- 
napoKs, on that occasion, together with 
the answer, are too important and inter^ 
esting to be omitted. 

^Congress was then in session at Anna- 
poUs, in Maryland, to which place gene- 
ral Washington repaired for the purpose 
of resigning into their hands the authority 
with which they had invested him. He 
arrived on the 19th of December. The 
next day he informed that body of his in- 
tention to ask leave to resign the commis- 
sion he had the honor of holding in their 
service, and requested to know, whether 
it would be their pleasure that he should 
offer his resignation in writing, or at an au- 
dience. 

To give more dignity to the act, 
they determined that it should be offered 
at a public audience on the following Tues- 
day, at twelve o'clock. 

When the hour arrived for performing 
a ceremony so well calculated to recal to 
the mind the various interesting scenes 

* Marshall's Life of Washington. 



which had passed since the commission 
now to be returned, was granted, the gal- 
lery was crowded with spectators, and 
many respectable persons, among whom 
were the legislative and executive charac- 
ters of the state; several general officers, 
and the consul general of France, were 
admitted on the floor of congress. 
The representatives of the sovereignty of 
the union remained seated and covered. 
The spectators were standing and unco- 
vered. The general was introduced by 
the secretary, and conducted to a chair. 
After a decent interval, silence was com- 
manded, and a short pause ensued. The 
president then informed him, that "the 
United States in congress assembled were 
prepared to receive his communications." 
With a native dignity, improved by the so- 
lemnity of the occasion, the general rose 
and delivered the following address: 
31r. President^ 

" The great events on which my re- 
signation depended, having at length ta- 
ken place, I have now the honor of offer- 
ing my sincere congratulations to con- 
gress, and of presenting myself before 



them, to surrender into their hands the 
trust committed to me, and to claim the 
indulgence of retiring from the service of 
my country. 

" Happy in the confirmation of our in- 
dependence and sovereignty, and pleased 
with the opportunity afforded the United 
States, of becoming a respectable nation, 
I resign with satisfaction the appointment 
I accepted with diffidence; a diffidence in 
my abilities to accomplish so arduous a 
task, which however, was superseded by 
a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, 
the support of the supreme power of the 
union and the patronage of heaven. 

" The successful termination of the war 
has verified the most sanguine expecta- 
tions; and my gratitude for the interposi- 
tion of providence, and the assistance I 
have received from my countrymen, in- 
creases with every review of the mo- 
mentous contest. 

" While I repeat my obligations to the 
army in general, I should do injustice to 
my own feelings not to acknowledge in 
this place, the peculiar services and dis- 
tinguished merits of the gentlemen who 



40 

have been attached to my person during 
the war. It was impossible the choice of 
confidential officers to compose my fami- 
ly should have been more fortunate. Per- 
mit me, sir, to recommend, in particular, 
those who have continued m the service 
to the present moment, as worthy of the 
favorable notice and patronage of con- 
gress. 

" I consider it as an indispensable duty 
to close this last act of my official life, 
by commending the interests of our dear- 
est country, to the protection of Almighty 
God, and those who have the superintend- 
ence of them to his holy keeping. 

" Having now finished the work assigned 
me, I retire from the great theatre of 
action, and bidding an affectionate fare- 
well to this august body, under whose or- 
ders I have so long acted, 1 here offer my 
commission, and take my leave of all the 
employments of public life." 

After advancing to the chair, and deli- 
vering his commission to the president, he 
returned to his place, and received, stand- 
ing, the foUovrtng answer of congress, 
which was delivered by the president: 



41 

« Sir— 

" The United States, in congress as- 
sembled, receive with emotions too affect- 
ing for utterance, the solemn resignation 
of the authorities under which you have 
led their troops with success through a 
perilous and a doubtful war. Called upon 
by your country to defend its invaded 
rights, you accepted the sacred charge, be- 
fore it had formed alliances, and whilst it 
was without funds or a government to sup- 
port you. You have conducted the great 
military contest with wisdom and forti- 
tude, invariably regarding the rights of the 
civil power, through all disasters and 
changes. You have, by the love and con- 
fidence of your fellow citizens, enabled 
them to display their martial genius, and 
transmit their fame to posterity. — 
You have persevered until these United 
States, aided by a magnanimous king and 
nation, have been enabled, under a just 
Providence, to close the war in freedom, 
safety, and independence; on which hap- 
py events, we sincerely join you in con- 
gratulations. 
F 



43 

" Having defended the standard of, li- 
berty in this new world; having taught a 
lesson useful to those who inflict, and those 
who feel oppression, you retire from the 
great theatre of action, with the blessings 
of your fellow citizens; but the glory of 
your virtues will not terminate with your 
military command; it will continue to ani- 
mate the remotest ages. 

" We feel with you our obligations to 
the army in general, and will particular- 
ly charge ourselves with the interests of 
those confidential officers, who have at- 
tended your person to this affecting mo- 
ment 

" We join you in commending the in- 
terest of our dearest country to the pro- 
tection of Almighty God, beseeching him 
to dispose the hearts and minds of its citi- 
zens to improve the opportunity afforded 
them of becoming a happy and respecta- 
ble nation. And for you, we address to 
him our earnest prayers, that a life so be- 
loved, may be fostered with all his care; 
that your days may be happy as they have 
been illustrious; and that he will finallv 



43 

give you that reward which this world 
cannot give." 

General Washington then retired from 
the fatigues, dangers, hardships, and tur- 
moils of the camp, to repose on his laurels 
in the quietude of domestic retirement; 
beloved, admired, and almost idolized by 
his country. The public charter of confede- 
ration, however, by which the United 
States were held together, congress hav- 
ing no power to enforce their resolutions, 
was found defective. A convention was 
held for the purpose of forming a more 
vigorous constitution, of which body, he 
was made the president. That constitu- 
tion was framed, submitted to the ra- 
tification of the different states, finally 
adopted, and is the very charter un- 
der which we now live. He was made 
the first president by an unanimous vote 
of the several states, at a time when they 
were torn by faction, and for eight years 
of his presidency, he left but one impres- 
sion on the public mind, that of admiration 
of his virtues. Twice was he called by 
his fellow citizens, to that important of- 
fice, and on the most trying occasions, 
twice were those suffi^ages unanimous. 



J€>'^ 



44 

When the old confederation was found 
inadequate, and a convention from the 
different states was formed, for the pur- 
pose of framing a more efficient consti- 
tution; of this body general Washington 
was elected president. When this instru- 
ment was put into operation, he was 
unanimously elected president of the Unit- 
ed States. After his constitutional service 
had expired, he was again by the unani- 
mous voice of his countrymen, called up- 
on to administer that office. Can a more 
transcendent proof of integrity, of honor, 
be given, than that the same man should 
be three times summoned to superintend, 
once tlie military, and twice the political, 
concerns of a great people. The history 
of his life is the history of his country's 
glory. The guardian star of America 
gleamed wth the same splendor in the 
soft cerulian firmament of peace, as 
througli the darkening shadow of war: 
the depth of the shade only added lustre 
to the beam. 



FINIS. 



